'Like an out-of-body experience' Coronation Street's Ryan Thomas on leaving the soap
HIS character Jason Grimshaw is one of the most treasured on ITV's Coronation Street, and Ryan Thomas has now revealed that he feels like he's having an "out-of-body experience" upon leaving the soap.
Ryan Thomas opened up about leaving Coronation Street after 16 years
The 32-year-old has been part of the programme's cast since the tender age of 16 and admitted to being unsure about what the future holds as it was the only job he's ever had.
Although the Weatherfield stalwart has teased the storyline of his eagerly-anticipated departure, fans will have to wait until his final scenes air later this year.
Speaking about his decision to leave the cobbles, Jason told OK! magazine: "The main reason is I wanted to have a change and it was about doing something I've never done before.
"I feel like now is the right time - I'm in my thirties. I've been here since I was 16… It's the only job I've ever had. It feels like I'm having an out-of-body experience and I can do what I want.
The actor admitted to being unsure about what the future holds
It feels like I'm having an out-of-body experience and I can do what I want
"The first time I picked up the script - that was when it hit me I was leaving. I was fine in rehearsal but when it came to film the scene, I just couldn't look at Sue or Bruno," he added.
The Manchester-born actor also suggested that the door is being left open for his on-screen counterpart to return.
"At Tony Warren's wake, one of the writers came up to me and said, 'I've written a scene where Jason isn't very happy in Thailand - you will come back, won't you?' That is really lovely to hear," Ryan explained.
Ryan shares a daughter with former co-star Tina O'Brien
Ryan played Jason Grimshaw on the soap
First Appearance- Jason Grimshaw - Coronation Street
Meanwhile, it's not jut his exit from Corrie that has people talking, but his newly buff body and washboard abs have also been causing quite a stir.
Ryan's ripped physique is owed to his ex-girlfriend Tina O'Brien's new fiancé, Adam Crofts, who has been cracking the whip and getting him into shape.
Tina, 31, who plays Sarah-Louise Platt on the soap, shares a seven-year-old daughter named Scarlett Jacqueline Thomas with Ryan, but recently got engaged to her boyfriend of five years.
Confessing that he's a huge fan of his new fitness partner, Ryan divulged: "Adam is a great role model for my daughter. I'm very blessed because he is the perfect man for my daughter to be around.
Wedding yesterday with #bestman @adstraining85 amazing day pic.twitter.com/8TbpYXymIi
— Tina O'Brien (@tinaob) 29 May 2016
Ryan started seeing his new girlfriend Lana Martin after they met on a night out in Manchester
"He's warm, kind and I would class him as family. He has given everything to Scarlett and I would do the same for Beau (Adam and Tina's son).
"Adam is a good man. I spent Christmas with them one year. He and Tina are perfect. Adam trains me, too. Adam and I are even planning to have a little holiday away," he continued.
Ryan also bagged himself a beautiful new girlfriend - Lana Martin - who he met on a night out in Manchester.
The pair were seen cosying up to one another as they enjoyed a break in sunny Ibiza last week.
The full interview with Ryan can be seen in the latest issue of OK! magazine, which is out now.